Executive Chef - University Inn Best Western - Moscow, Idaho

Coeur d'Alene Resort; Moscow (ID); On-site; USD 85,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

The Best Western University Inn & Conference Center in Moscow, Idaho seeks an dynamic Executive Chef to lead all culinary operations across Seasons Restaurant, The Broiler, and event venues. This hands-on leadership role drives menu development, cost control, and exceptional guest experiences.

You will recruit, mentor, and manage a diverse culinary team, partner with hotel leadership to meet financial goals, and uphold health and safety standards.

Qualifications

• Executive Chef or Executive Sous Chef experience in hotel/resort/conference center/high-volume multi-unit operation.
• Proven experience leading and developing culinary teams.
• Strong banquet and catering experience preferred.
• Knowledge of menu development, recipe standardization, food costing, purchasing, and inventory management.
• Strong financial acumen, including budgeting, forecasting, food cost management, and labor control.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and leadership skills.
• Culinary degree preferred but not required; equivalent experience will be considered.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee all culinary operations across multiple outlets and banquet venues.
• Recruit, train, mentor, and develop culinary team members and future leaders.
• Lead by example and establish a culture of professionalism, accountability, and teamwork.
• Ensure consistent execution of food quality, presentation, and service standards.
• Manage food cost, labor cost, inventory controls, purchasing, and product utilization.
• Develop menus, recipes, specials, and seasonal offerings while maintaining accurate costing and profitability.
• Oversee banquet, catering, conference, and special event culinary execution.
• Maintain compliance with health, sanitation, and food safety regulations.
• Partner with hotel leadership to achieve operational and financial goals.
• Build strong relationships with vendors and ensure responsible stewardship of company resources.
• Create systems and processes that drive consistency and long-term success.

Skills

Leadership

Menu development

Food costing

Inventory management

Budgeting & forecasting

Communication

Team development

Education

Culinary degree preferred

Job description

Executive Chef

Best Western University Inn & Conference Center | Moscow, Idaho

A Proud Member of Hagadone Hospitality

Compensation: $85,000-$100,000
Relocation Assistance: Negotiable for the Right Candidate

The Best Western University Inn & Conference Center, part of the Hagadone Hospitality portfolio, is seeking a dynamic, hands-on Executive Chef to lead all culinary operations for one of the region's premier hospitality destinations. This position oversees Seasons Restaurant, The Broiler Restaurant, Convention Center and Banquet Operations, purchasing, menu development, and culinary team leadership.

This is an opportunity for a proven leader to make a significant impact on an established operation while building a culture of excellence, accountability, and hospitality.

About Hagadone Hospitality

Hagadone Hospitality is dedicated to creating exceptional guest experiences through outstanding service, premier destinations, and a commitment to excellence. Our properties are known for their high standards, strong culture, and investment in people. We believe our greatest asset is our team, and we are committed to developing leaders who inspire others and drive results.

What You'll Do

• Lead and oversee all culinary operations across multiple outlets and banquet venues.
• Recruit, train, mentor, and develop culinary team members and future leaders.
• Lead by example and establish a culture of professionalism, accountability, and teamwork.
• Ensure consistent execution of food quality, presentation, and service standards.
• Manage food cost, labor cost, inventory controls, purchasing, and product utilization.
• Develop menus, recipes, specials, and seasonal offerings while maintaining accurate costing and profitability.
• Oversee banquet, catering, conference, and special event culinary execution.
• Maintain compliance with health, sanitation, and food safety regulations.
• Partner with hotel leadership to achieve operational and financial goals.
• Build strong relationships with vendors and ensure responsible stewardship of company resources.
• Create systems and processes that drive consistency and long-term success.

Leadership Expectations

At Hagadone Hospitality, we believe great chefs are first and foremost great leaders. The ideal candidate will embody the leadership principles that define our culture:

• Lead by example and set the standard through actions, not words.
• Demonstrate humility, accountability, and integrity.
• Build trust through consistency, communication, and follow-through.
• Develop and mentor team members to help them reach their full potential.
• Foster a culture of ownership, teamwork, and mutual respect.
• Maintain a positive, solutions-focused mindset during challenges.
• Hold themselves and others accountable while treating people with dignity and respect.
• Prioritize guest satisfaction while balancing operational excellence and financial performance.
• Embrace continuous learning and continuous improvement.

We are seeking a leader who understands that culture drives results, accountability creates consistency, and the success of the operation begins with investing in people.

Qualifications

• Executive Chef or Executive Sous Chef experience in a hotel, resort, conference center, country club, casino, or high-volume multi-unit operation.
• Proven experience leading and developing culinary teams.
• Strong banquet and catering experience preferred.
• Knowledge of menu development, recipe standardization, food costing, purchasing, and inventory management.
• Strong financial acumen, including budgeting, forecasting, food cost management, and labor control.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and leadership skills.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment while maintaining high standards.
• Culinary degree preferred but not required; equivalent experience will be considered.

Why Join Us?

This role offers the opportunity to lead a diverse culinary operation serving restaurant guests, conference attendees, special events, and visitors to the University of Idaho community. You'll join a respected hospitality organization that values leadership, innovation, and professional growth while providing the resources and support necessary to succeed.